DBD,
I appreciate seeing your support all three nights! Everyone involved in the production, thank you for your time and consideration. Everyone else, thank you for your consideration. We could have made money for charity... This town fucking SUCKS!!!

It's hard to get people into Golden West et if that's what you are talking about. Promotion also leaves alot to be desired, follow up etc... Promotion is a hard job, I know I've been doing it for years. By the way, who's Breaking Benjamin? Is that a local band?
Matt
www.matthewrele.com
www.releband.com

matt...i hope your being funny....breaking benjamin has been a national touring act for a few years and has been through albuquerque in support of other big named acts......should pay attention....also eT has been booking for el rey and goldenwest for a good period of time...genesis shows have been going on there for a while and with serious radio support from the edge as well as the zone....the show could have been a huge success...but again albuquerque sucks...again pay attention....hahahaha

neat guy says.....have a noice day!!!!!

I really have not heard of Breaking Benjamin. I think that if you want to raise money you bring in someone besides a band with a cult following, I'm assuming. I also never heard any radio spots for that show or I would have been there to show my support.
Matt
www.releband.com
www.matthewrele.com

Have you heard Tool? Chevelle? Perfect Circle? Then you have heard Breaking Benjamin.

You just proved Matt's point, all of those bands have a cult following.

The El Rey has a ton of potential to be a successful venue for big touring acts. Hell, I saw Weezer play there to a packed house. The problem is, it has been a dance hall for quinceneras and wedding receptions for like 3 years now. Reputations are some of the toughest things to break.

And yes, Matt, Breaking Benjamin is a rather big name in the mainstream now. They aren't as well known as the aforementioned Chevelle and definitely not even comparable to Tool, but if you listen to any alternative rock station, you're bound to hear Breaking Benjamin play. And yes, there were radio spots for this show. I really do think it was the reputation of the joint that kept people aloof.

Hey wait a minute...you mean that someone bigger than Replay,...ooops I mean Rele, was here in town? Oh goshness! Where was I? Oh yeah!...I was front and center. ...Hey! Just fucking around! Good Times! Hello?.... Hello...?

7 of freakin' 9

Again I apologise for not ever hearing of Breaking Benjamin. You are right though Gio, El Ray and Golden West have a reputation for not being hot spots. And by the way Rele is a very popular band, I know of at least five Rele fans in this town! I'm not knocking the show or event, I just wish I had heard about it so I could have shown my support for such a great cause.
Matt
www.releband.com
www.matthewrele.com

You mean you guys had Plenty of PROMO, and no body showed? Hmmmm.......Is that the band's fault? If it had been a local act, that act would have been blamed for not doing enough to promote, at least that was what was said in one of the other forums. Hmmmm.....maybe gio is right about that reputation thing. Oh wait, I mentioned that months ago. But I guess that didn't count, because I musta been talking outta my ass.

The "reputation thing" I'm referring to is the El Rey being a nearly non-existant music venue to the general public. Your previous comment on the Golden West's reputation was acknowledged. Maybe you were too busy complaining to have noticed.

Oh, believe me gio, I could have complained a lot more than I did, but I found that most of my bitching was falling on deaf ears. And No, my complaints were not "acknowledged" as much as they were avoided. His arguement was something along the lines of "if no one shows up, you make no money", even after I mentioned time and time again how many people were there, but whatever.

It just seemed/seems to me that at that particular venue, No matter what the problem/problems may be...the blame always gets pushed onto the bands that play there. But I'm sure eric, and everyone else on this board is tired of reading my bitches about said venue, so I will quit.

I really do hope those guys can get there shit together, and develop a new, possitive reputation, not just for themselves, but for the local scene. And I would be the first one cooking the crow, if I actually believed that my complaints were not founded. But, in the currents cirlces that I find myself in, that venue is not even brought up, when it comes time to book shows.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT ANYONE ELSE,BUT WE HAD A GREAT TIME PLAYING AT THE EL RAY ON FRIDAY,FUN SHOW,KICK ASS ART(ESP.JOSE ANDRADE'S ART )GOOD TIMES,GOOD TIMES.AND THANX TO EVERYONE WHO DID SHOW UP,Y'ALL KICK ASS!

I hear you Gnostic Dave. Because of communication problems that I've had, tommorrow's show will probably be our last at Golden West. I'm am not knocking them at all. Rele just needs to play clubs that people frequent or all is done for nothing. I really hope Golden West becomes a venue with good promotion etc... They can't always depend on the bands to promote, they need to help with promotion. That way both sides win, the bands get exposure and the bar makes money.
Matt
www.releband.com
www.matthewrele.com

Dave,
Since your continuously upset about the payments you have earned from your shows there, by all means, come in to the office and you shall see the tape from bar sales. I can assure you that the bar NEVER reached $500 of sales any night that you were booked, including last minute gigs (which I'm truly greatful for your consideration). The statement is true, "if no one shows up, you make no money." No local bands are to blame here, I simply stated that this town SUCKS! Not only did I lose money (for charity rather), but edgefest didn't break even, the MUSE show at Sunshine the night before tanked etc. etc.). Representatives from clearchannel told me that this is a really bad time for promotion right now. BTW, why haven't you been playing at any of the other venues lately? You have such a rockstar attitude, you might as well approach clubs that book you with a list of hospitality requirements and a contract with a flat rate for your performance. You're absolutely right, I'm sick of hearing your same comments over and over, yet you don't take the time to speak with Kathy directly...so much for professionalism; just continue to bash a business through a forum if it really makes you feel better.

quote:

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Originally posted by Gnostic Dave:
Oh, believe me gio, I could have complained a lot more than I did, but I found that most of my bitching was falling on deaf ears. And No, my complaints were not "acknowledged" as much as they were avoided. His arguement was something along the lines of "if no one shows up, you make no money", even after I mentioned time and time again how many people were there, but whatever.

It just seemed/seems to me that at that particular venue, No matter what the problem/problems may be...the blame always gets pushed onto the bands that play there. But I'm sure eric, and everyone else on this board is tired of reading my bitches about said venue, so I will quit.

I really do hope those guys can get there shit together, and develop a new, possitive reputation, not just for themselves, but for the local scene. And I would be the first one cooking the crow, if I actually believed that my complaints were not founded. But, in the currents cirlces that I find myself in, that venue is not even brought up, when it comes time to book shows.

---

Matt,
I have responded to every message that you have left me. Obviously, it's not easy to book a tuesday night. I agree with your last statement on everybody working together, both parties are equally guilty in some situations. Remember the first time you approached me for a booking...you really wanted to do a show in the EL REY, here's a break down of what it takes to promote a show in that size venue:

Outside promoters must consider in their budget -

1. Venue Rental Fee
2. Security/Cleaning costs (if no rental fee applies)
3. promotion (radio, print, etc.)
4. hospitality
5. Sound/Engineer
6. Insurance (if necessary by contract of artist)

Even Joe told me that the sunshine is very costly when doing a show, and I'm sure that the insurance is outrageous after last years incident. I'm not trying to lecture you on promotion, just giving you an idea of doing a show in a club of that size.

Radio advertisement for BREAKING BENJAMIN was rather heavy. I got a total promotional value of just a little over $20,000 combined between the edge and the zone as a donation for the charity aspect. This town SUCKS for musicians, why do you think many have left and are doing quite well right now (i.e. STOIC FRAME, THE EYELINERS, THE SHINS etc.)

quote:

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Originally posted by Matthew Rele:
I hear you Gnostic Dave. Because of communication problems that I've had, tommorrow's show will probably be our last at Golden West. I'm am not knocking them at all. Rele just needs to play clubs that people frequent or all is done for nothing. I really hope Golden West becomes a venue with good promotion etc... They can't always depend on the bands to promote, they need to help with promotion. That way both sides win, the bands get exposure and the bar makes money.
Matt
http://www.releband.com
http://www.matthewrele.com

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I think it will take a few shows (of the rock genre) for people to remember the EL REY, especially the fact that all ages are welcome to such events. I'm working on it, not going to give up...per FEELS LIKE SUNDAY "never going to burn out, never fade!" - darkside. Great performance btw, thank you very much for your time...can't wait to hear you in the EL REY for the GENESIS 2nd Year Anniversary!

quote:

---

Originally posted by gio:
The El Rey has a ton of potential to be a successful venue for big touring acts. Hell, I saw Weezer play there to a packed house. The problem is, it has been a dance hall for quinceneras and wedding receptions for like 3 years now. Reputations are some of the toughest things to break.

And yes, Matt, Breaking Benjamin is a rather big name in the mainstream now. They aren't as well known as the aforementioned Chevelle and definitely not even comparable to Tool, but if you listen to any alternative rock station, you're bound to hear Breaking Benjamin play. And yes, there were radio spots for this show. I really do think it was the reputation of the joint that kept people aloof.

---

First off, I have NEVER boycotted a place over a single issue. That particular issue was merely the last straw so to speak. Did I say $500? when and where?
Second, I agree with you that this town has a huge vacuum problem when it comes to supporting "the scene". But your venue has been the only one to point fingers at the band in question when no one shows up for a tuesday nite show. (ok maybe not the only one, but more often than not) Didn't do thier part to promote, blah, blah.....
As far as the tape goes.....the money was not the real issue, as I have stated soooooo many times. At the time that I went to get our payment, (the 3rd straight day I had been in to collect) I asked to see said tape, and was told that I didn't need to see it. But whatever, that was almost a year ago. And, as I said earlier in this forum, I will quit bitching about your venue, because you are probably tired of reading it, and I'm tired of writing it.
And to answer your question about why I haven't been playing......I have. I have done four or five shows over the past few months. The Crawl, the Atomic, courtyards in oldtown for gallery openings, and several coffee houses. And on every occasion, I have been treated with respect, courtesy, and professionalism. I have known, in advance, what the situation would be on other bands; the PA; and the payment.(which has always been more than I EVER made in your venue)
So I guess I should be thanking you and your venue, for teaching me what to look for and to expect from a venue.
And once again I will say, that if you want to discuss this with me in a not so public place...then shoot me an e-mail, and we can try to work out a time to get together and discuss it. If you choose not to do so, as has been the case in the past, then so be it. I won't bash your venue in this forum anymore.
Good luck in getting it going, and I really meant what I said about hoping you guys can get your shit together. You have a great building, especially for what I'm doing now, but the place means nothing, if the management is not willing to take some responsiblity for the problems/reputation it has established.

Believe me Eric, I know what promotion costs. I have toured three times nationally. I'm not just a green musician, I've been doing it for years. That's exactly why I prefer to play out of town gigs. Every other venue I've played in Abq has a good turnout except Golden West. Why? Because someone needs to get passionate about promoting that place. I did want to do a show at the El Rey because I remember how kick ass it use to be. I've seen some of my favorite bands there. When I came to you about that show I had no idea that the scene at the El Rey had died. 5 years ago Rele with 2 other bands could have packed that place on a Saturday night. If you need help ask. I would be more than willing to help you promote either venue. I know what it takes and you have other brilliant marketing people also. For example Pez, I know he's helped you in the past. It takes hard work Eric. All I ask is that when you say you'll call me with a weekend gig that I can count on your word. I still have not recieved that call after three requests for it. I'd rather have you tell me to shove it up my ass then say you'll do something and then you don't. This is exactly the type of thing that is killing the local music scene because people get frustrated and just give up. Let's fucking help each other out for once. We as musicians and clubs need to get rid of the egos and help each other become successful. That's all I'm saying Eric. For example that first gig we played at GW you told me would be promoted on the radio. It wasnt and Rele played to the bartender because I counted on that. Let's count on each other, I want to help but we need to be honest with each other and we need follow up calls and communication or else the band feels like nothing more than a filler.
Matt
www.matthewrele.com
www.releband.com

I know you understand the concept of promotion, i was just giving you the break-down for EL REY. Another thing, I never promised you radio...I said I would see what I could do because I know a few of the dj's, you told me that 94 ROCK will "give you radio time." As far as weekends go, I'm not the only one that books shows here, there are two other people...I can't help it if the weekends fill quickly. I don't have any weekends open in November, I do have a few dates in December, however, you stated that tomorrow will be your last show. This is all that I have to say, I'm not going to argue like a couple of little kids!